6B-Class Gas Turbine Upgrades

Advance operation performance in single and combined-cycle gas turbines

Since 2004, PSM has delivered trusted hot gas path solutions for GE Frame 6B gas turbines operating in both simple-cycle and combined-cycle power plants. Our advanced upgrades for buckets, nozzles, shrouds, and compressor components are engineered to increase durability and reduce life cycle costs—helping plant operators improve performance and meet emissions goals without sacrificing reliability.

Leveraging PSM’s system-level modeling, materials expertise, and over two decades of fleet experience, we’ve designed upgrade solutions that address common wear points, extend maintenance intervals, and provide backward compatibility with existing engine configurations, including the 6581 and newer 2085F firing temperature units.

In standard operation, the 6B hot gas path supports up to 24,000 FFH or 900 FS inspection intervals. With PSM’s enhancements, customers can increase those intervals to 32,000 FFH, significantly lowering outage frequency and associated costs.

Benefits of Upgrading 6B-Class Gas Turbines:

• Increased Efficiency: Lower fuel usage and reduced operating costs through optimized thermal performance.
• Enhanced Performance: Upgrades boost output, improve load response, and increase unit reliability.
• Reduced Emissions: Advanced combustion and component design help meet NOx, CO, and particulate matter targets.
• Improved Flexibility: Smoother ramping and better turndown capability make it easier to integrate with renewables.
• Enhanced Safety: Better monitoring, improved fuel isolation, and system protections reduce operational risk.

Design Improvements
_{Our 6B upgrade packages are engineered to match or exceed OEM quality, with precision improvements that deliver better cooling, strength, and aerodynamic efficiency across each stage of the turbine.}

1st Stage Nozzle

• Engineered for OEM-equivalent quality
• Optional NiCoCrAlY coating and thermal barrier coatings (TBCs)

1st Stage Buckets

• Optimized aero profile and enhanced cooling for longer life

2nd Stage Nozzle

• Engineered to meet OEM performance standards

2nd Stage Buckets

• Scalloped tip shroud for improves creep resistance
• Larger contact area reduces tip shingling

3rd Stage Nozzle

• OEM-level design for consistent quality and durability

3rd Stage Buckets

• Tip shroud design mitigates shingling
• Available in standard and advanced aero configurations

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Additional Upgrade Solutions

LEC III™ and LEC-NextGen Combustion Systems

Our ultra-low NOx combustion technologies are field-proven to meet 3–5 ppm (LEC III™) and sub-9 ppm (LEC-NextGen) NOx emissions. These systems support a broad range of fuels and are compatible with legacy models (e.g., 6581B, 7121EA, 9171E) as direct DLN 1.0 replacements or diffusion system conversions. 
        •  100 installations globally and growing
        •   Consistent single-digit CO and NOx emissions
        •    Increased load range and stability across varying conditions